In order to begin training as a helicopter pilot, students must meet some basic requirements laid out by the FAA in Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61. According to this regulation, all helicopter pilots must write, speak and understand the English language in order to earn a license without restrictions. Pilots must also meet certain age requirements that fluctuate based on the type of license being pursued.
The first step to earning a helicopter license is to be certified as a student pilot. This is generally done by submitting an application when completing the required FAA third-class medical examination prior to a student's first solo flight. This license grants student pilots the ability to fly an aircraft without an instructor as part of their training, provided they pass a knowledge test and complete pre-solo flight training. In order to earn a student pilot license for helicopter training, applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
The next step up for student helicopter pilots is to earn a private pilot license. This license grants pilots the ability to operate their helicopter as the pilot-in-command without the aid of an instructor. However, private pilots cannot operate their aircraft for profit or as part of a business. In order to earn a private pilot license, helicopter student pilots must pass a 60-question FAA knowledge test with a score of 70 percent or better in addition to passing an in-flight examination given by a licensed FAA examiner. Students must log at least 40 hours of flight time in a helicopter prior to taking their in-flight exam. In order to earn a private pilot license, students must also be at least 17 years of age.
A commercial pilot license is required for those who want to turn flying a helicopter into a career. Provided they have earned their private pilot license, helicopter pilots can pursue a commercial license in order to earn the right to operate their aircraft for-profit. In order to earn this license, pilots must log a minimum of 150 flight hours in any type of aircraft, 50 of which must come in helicopters. Pilots must also log at least 100 hours as the sole pilot-in-command of any aircraft and 35 in helicopters. Commercial applicants must also pass another in-flight exam and an FAA knowledge exam consisting of 100 questions and requiring a passing score of 70 percent. To earn a commercial pilot license, pilots must be at least 18 years of age.
The medical standards for helicopter training vary depending on the type of license being pursued. As a general rule, however, pilots should be free of any ailments that could possibly interfere with the safe operation of a helicopter. Both student pilots and private pilots are required to pass an FAA third-class medical examination, while commercial pilots must pass a second-class medical. The requirements to pass these examinations are similar, with the exception of vision requirements. A third-class medical requires pilots have distant and near vision correctable to 20/40, while a second-class medical mandates that examinees have distant vision correctable to 20/20 and near vision correctable to 20/40.
